Looking Back: 10 Best Movies of 2002

There’s a brush with Harry Potter, an encounter with Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a Big Fat Greek Wedding to get ready for…

It was an epic year for sci-fi and special effects, with major hits from Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings gracing our screens.

But 2002 was also a year full of surprises, so it’s only right that the top 10 movies of 2002 reflect this too – lookout for some hidden gems between them.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The middle finger, so to speak, in the Lord of the Rings trilogy does not disappoint.

Peter Jackson brings all the eerie feels and right amount of creepiness, offset with smirk-worthy one-liners and spectacular visual effects in one of the best action 2002 movies.

With the surviving members of the Fellowship split, we see Frodo and Sam encounter challenges in their quest to save Middle-earth by destroying the One Ring. It’s the perfect warm-up for the final chapter.

IMDb: 8.7/10

Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom and more

The Pianist

Securing its place as one of the most wrenching stories of war, Adrien Brody gives an Oscar-winning performance as Szpilman, a Polish Jewish radio station pianist who survives the horrors of the Holocaust. Beautifully directed by Roman Polanski, it remains one of 2002 top 10 movies of all time.

IMDb: 8.5/10

Cast: Adrien Brody, Emilia Fox, Frank Finlay and more

Catch Me If You Can

He’s a doctor, a lawyer, a pilot… and a master of disguise. Leonardo DiCaprio brings his signature charm to this true story about Frank Abagnale, Jr. – one of the F.B.I’s most wanted.

But with Agent Hanratty (Tom Hanks) steadily closing in on him, you’re at odds with yourself as you can’t help but root for the antihero.

IMDb: 8.1/10

Cast: Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Hanks, Amy Adams and more

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Now in their second year of Hogwarts, the stellar class of Harry Potter return to their wizardry ways only to find an ancient prophecy unfolding before them.

With a slighter darker edge than the first installment, the Chambers of Secrets deserves its place in the top 2002 movies list, in this highly watchable follow-up.

IMDb: 7.4/10

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and more

Spider-Man

With no less than eight Spider-Man movies over the years, it’s a clear formula for box-office success.

This time, Tobey Maguire takes on Peter Parker – the shy geeky student, who obtains superhero arachnid abilities after an encounter with a supercharged radioactive spider. True to Marvel form, we’re reminded that with great power comes great responsibility, in this highest-grossing movie of the year.

IMDb: 7.3/10

Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco and more

Chicago

There’s only room for one diva in this part of town, which is rather a problem with murderesses Velma (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Roxie (Renee Zellweger) who are vying for the media’s attention in jail as they await trial.

This well-told story of femme-fatale rivalry is finally brought to the big screen, with bright lights, familiar show tunes and… all that jazz!

IMDb: 7.2/10

Cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere and more

Signs

If there was ever a film true of its time, Signs reflects the early noughties fascination with crop circles.

So, when farmer Hess (Mel Gibson) discovers the phenomenon in his fields, he decides to delve a little deeper, as the truth slowly unfolds. Filled with tension, Signs sits high on the 2002 movies list when it comes to edge-of-your-seat suspense. Don’t say we didn’t tell you.

IMDb: 6.7/10

Cast: Mel Gibson, Rory Culkin, Abigail Breslin and more

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

The surprising breakout hit and one of 2002’s top box office movies, My Big Fat Greek Wedding struck a chord with audiences everywhere, nodding, laughing and screaming along to this relatable story.

Full of heart, it affectionately highlights cultural differences that children of immigrants know all too well. The impossibility of a male vegetarian, the shame of not being married with children by 30, and the universal cure that is Windex! No wonder it’s the highest-grossing rom-com of all time.

IMDb: 6.6/10

Cast: John Corbett, Nia Vardalos, Lainie Kazan and more

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

In a year of cinematic blockbusters, Star Wars for this first time in its long long history, was not 2002’s top box office movie, despite grossing over $600 million worldwide.

In the film, the Republic remains blighted by trouble, with a new separatist movement adding to the threat of the galaxy, heralding the start of the Clone Wars. Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) fall in love.

IMDb: 6.5/10

Cast: Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor and more

Austin Powers in Goldmember

The third and thankfully last movie in the Austin Powers collection is far from groovy, baby.

Once again, Dr. Evil plans to take over the world, so Powers travels back in time to resurrect Foxxy Cleopatra (Beyonce), whilst rescuing his father from Goldmember. Still with us?! If you’re a fan of college humour and bonkers silliness, you might enjoy it. 

IMDb: 6.2/10

Cast: Mike Myers, Beyonce, Verne Troyer and more

See Also:

• Looking Back: The Top 10 Best Movies Of 2001
• Looking Back: The 10 Best Movies Of 2000